Choosing a commercial contractor in Saltillo, MS just got a whole lot easier for those people who want to ensure that the work they’re paying for is up to scratch and on the level. With the filing of Mississippi Code Title 73, Professions and Vocations, Chapter 59, contractor seeking to provide services within the state must be licensed and insured before they get to work, meaning a safer and overall more responsible pool of candidates for you, the customer, to choose from.
Now, what exactly does this piece of legislation entail? Take a look at some of the highlights that you should be aware of before you accept a bid from a commercial contractor in Saltillo, MS:
A trusted pool of candidates
So, to start, what exactly does it mean for a candidate to be licensed when it comes to performing residential work? According to the code and the State Board of Contractors, it states that:
“…the applicant shall be examined by the board at its next meeting using a uniform written examination prescribed by the board. The board shall administer an oral examination to applicants who are unable to take the written examination. In addition, the board, in examining such applicant, shall consider the following:
- Experience;
- Complaints; and
- Other pertinent information the board may require.”
Essentially, if you’re dealing with a licensed contractor, you’ll know that the company you’re putting your trust in has proved their competence to a board of likeminded professionals, who have vetted the skills and assets required to perform the duties expected of a commercial contractor in Saltillo, MS.
Penalties
Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “what happens if I’m dealing with a contractor that simply lies about having their license or who undertakes my project without providing proof first?” Rest assured, there are barriers in place to ensure that you’re not getting duped by a contractor that’s not playing by the rules. Take a look at what the legislation has to say about those companies attempting to skirt the rules:
“Any remodeler who undertakes or attempts to undertake the business of residential improvement without having a valid license as required by this chapter, or who knowingly presents to the board, or files with the board, false information for the purpose of obtaining such license, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) and not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or be imprisoned for not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days in the county jail, or both.”
Faced with legal action and a fine that could be quite hefty when levied, Chapter 59 is meant to deter shady practices from ever even attempting to undercut those contractors who are on the up and up with their licensing.
Striving for integrity
At the end of the day, many homeowners may just see Chapter 59 as another flurry of legal paperwork that raises the price of hiring a commercial contractor in Saltillo, MS, but the reality is that it’s in place to protect anyone entrusting their renovation and building projects to a commercial party. With rules in place, repercussions for breaking these rules and a standard of integrity set as the bar for operation, the contracting industry looks forward to better days with this law in place.